Bikes for short commutes 'walking the talk'

Reducing car dependency and 'walking the talk' are key reasons
behind two new arrivals at a regional healthcare provider.

Bikes being used for transport to-and-from meetings in Tauranga
are a case of practicing what you preach said the Bay of Plenty
District Health Board's (BOPDHB) Integrated Healthcare Manager
Sarah Davey.

"As a health service, we promote walking and biking for their
positive health benefits for individuals, the population and the
environment," said Sarah, who was behind the scheme. "We are
walking the talk by promoting the use of bikes by our own
staff."

The bikes, one e-bike and one normal bike, are being used by
staff at the Planning and Funding team based in 2nd
Avenue. They are part of a DHB trial.

"Our goal is to reduce the number of short (under 10kms) sole
occupancy car journeys around town for meetings - so back and forth
from the hospital, to the City Council and some of our providers
for example."

"The trial will inform DHB decisions on expanding the use of
bikes for other staff," added Sarah, who encouraged other
organisations and businesses to consider trialling a similar
scheme.

Image: Increased credibility when partnering and negotiating
for Health in All Policies

Contribution to other sectors: supporting Tauranga City Council
to reduce car dependency

General Manager Planning and Funding Simon Everitt said the idea
was already proving popular and had the support of BOPDHB Chief
Executive Helen Mason.

"I'd like to commend our staff for initiating this trial," said
Simon. "In the first two weeks I have used the bike three times and
I'm aware of four others who have also been using the bikes. We
will be keeping track of their use and we think we'll find we're
using our two vehicles considerably less, especially once summer
arrives."

Tauranga has one of the highest car usage rates in the country
and this contributes to traffic congestion, parking problems, air
pollution and health issues (i.e. through reduced physical
activity).

The move comes as Tauranga City Council seeks feedback from the
public on how to make the city safer and easier for people to ride
their bikes. The results of the consultation, which closes on
Sunday 5 November, will be incorporated into the Tauranga Cycle
Plan.